He gestured to his Dragonists. "Continue to the camp." He looked to the shadows of the forest but didn't see the shadowy form of Darroth lurking nearby. Strangely relieved, he crept forward, staying to the trees until he returned within hearing distance. He dared go no further for fear of her ghastly guardians. He knew the agony that awaited should he be detected.
But he had to know.
She was not alone. A tall, powerfully built man emerged from what appeared to a rippling opening in the shadows. His hair and beard were well oiled and curled, and he was draped in richly cut jade robes embroidered with gold fringes. He stood just outside the circle of Banestone. Heavy links of gold hung from his neck, and his fingers were encrusted with sparkling gems. The Eidolon shifted, staring at the newcomer with their glowing sockets.
The jet-skinned man prostrated himself. "High Lady."
"Rise, Orabon. I have been informed of what transpired in Aceldama. I trust Alaric was appropriately discomfited."
Orabon appeared to be a powerful man, but his eyes were uneasy when he gazed upon the Eidolon. Their cloaks seemed more alive than they, surging as though beaten by invisible winds. They made no sound, but the menace of their presence spoke as if they shrieked to the heavens.
"He was, High Lady. I must admit he was not the only one thrown off balance."
Masiki nodded. "You speak of Gile Noman? I trust he didn't make things too difficult for you. Gile has proven to be quite capable, but I needed to test the limits of his skills. And your own."
Orabon's expression was unreadable. "He was able to escape with the aid of Killian's men. They smuggled him from the palace before Alaric could question him. A potential catastrophe was narrowly averted, but I do not think I escaped suspicion. Everything I worked for to gain Alaric's favor is dust and ashes now."
Masiki gave him a knowing look. "Are you questioning my judgment, Orabon?"
His face was carefully neutral. "Perhaps I need clarification, Mistress. Having Gile, Killian, and myself at the same location put us all at great risk. Should either of us been detected—"
"You were there because I needed you to be," she said. "I needed to test Alaric and the Co'nane to see if they are as incompetent as they were rumored to be. And I needed to see if my Acolytes could work together. It becomes much easier to do when your lives hang in the balance. I know your minds, and I will not have you imitating the Sects in their constant infighting and plots against one another. When the Guelph act, it is with one mind. That is the only way this will work. I will not stand for another disaster like the campaign Vivienne and Eretik managed to botch in Kaerleon."
"And had Alaric discovered what we were up to?"
"Then you would have proved yourselves useless to me. All are expendable, Orabon. If you fail, that means you were not fit for the task."
"Yes, High Lady." Orabon dipped his head. "I have the Padeshah in hand in Jafeh. I can render the entire province powerless, or stir the anthill and have the shore lords in a fury. I await only your word."
"It will be given in time. For the moment, keep them pacified until I need them."
"And what of your animals, these Bruallians? Can they be controlled?"
Masiki folded her arms. "They are well in hand. There is much I have to do on my end. Make sure you are ready to act when the time comes."
Orabon inclined his head. "As you command, so shall it be done."
"Our time is almost upon us. Prepare yourself."
Orabon bowed low and backed into the shadows. The darkness rippled once more and swallowed him.
Masiki and her guardians stood alone in the middle of the stone circle. Suddenly she laughed. "Doka," she said. The Eidolon stretched their arms wide, and a sigh escaped them like the sound of dying breaths. They thinned in form, becoming transparent before dissipating like fog. Masiki sauntered beyond the boundary of Banestone and vanished as well, leaving behind only shadows and hazy mist in the runic circle.
Valdemar decided it was past time he left as well. You have your animals well in hand, do you? We shall see.
Turning, he nearly collided with the towering figure that had appeared from nowhere. The stench of rotted leather almost overwhelmed him, and cold fingers of fear clawed at his heart. Even in daylight the shadows clung to the form of Darroth Basilis, but for the first time Valdemar was able to see the hideously twisted face of the creature that had been his father.
"You fool." The monster hissed through twisted lips as his clawed fingers seized Valdemar by the throat.
Chapter 50: Rhanu
Rhanu awoke in the blush of morning. Ayna's scent was fresh in his nostrils, her hair tickling against his skin. The warm morning light turned her pupils into molten gold when she smiled at him.
"You've been sleeping all morning."
He touched her face as he smiled in return. "I think any man would be tired after last night."
"It was the moon. Divia's light brings out something primal in us. What we feel deep inside is released for her to witness."
He could have spent the entire morning simply staring at her, taking in every detail, every beautiful mole and freckle that decorated her copper skin as she lay beside him with nothing on. But he had to know.
"Do you have any regrets? I will understand if—"
She placed a finger on his lips. "No regrets. I do not know what to make of this any more than you do, Rhanu. Being clairvoyant does not include knowing your own future, it seems. But let's not ruin the moment by doubting ourselves."
He nodded. "Take it as it comes?"
"And enjoy it while it lasts."
The morning was interrupted by the breaking of camp. Rhanu ignored the knowing looks and smiles from the others. It certainly wasn't the first time he had lost himself in a moment with a beautiful woman. Yet…he could not keep his eyes off of Ayna. She strode with a group of other Sha, but she caught him staring and flashed her beautiful smile.
He wanted her so badly it hurt.
"So. She has chosen you." Nando ruined the moment with a hard glare. He had taken only one glance at the two of them and immediately recognized their new intimacy. True to his character, he had not taken it well.
Rhanu gave him a cool glance. "What is it to you, Nando? Ayna is a woman grown, not some baby sister whose honor you have to safeguard."
Nando gazed at Ayna in irritation. "My sister is wise in many ways, but not that of the heart."
"And you are?" Rhanu gave him a wry smile. "How fortuitous it is to have such wisdom at your age."
Nando flushed angrily. "I know enough to want the best for my sister. You are not what she needs."
Rhanu halted, staring at Nando evenly. "I have no quarrel with you. But you seem to have one with me. We are free men here, so speak."
They glowered at each other for a moment. Nando was the first to turn away. "I suppose you are not a bad man, Rhanu. I even like you a little. But what can you offer my sister besides grief?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that you are already wed. And until you leave your first love, you have no business marrying my sister."
Rhanu frowned. "What have you been told? I am wed to no one. And what is this talk of marriage?"
Nando quickly masked a look of surprise. "She hasn't told you, has she?"
"Told me what?"
"You'll have to take that up with her. But that's another subject." Nando tapped the wakiza hilt that protruded over Rhanu's shoulder. "This is the immediate problem. Killing is your first love. Don't try to deny it. You walk a path that will only lead to your death, and my sister's heartache will be the aftereffect. Or some enemy of yours seeking revenge will kill her to hurt you. Why would I wish that upon her? Why would you?"